By Amanda Pompilii
How many batteries do you have in your home? Chances are, a few dozen, if not hundreds. From carbon monoxide detectors to fire alarms and vacuums, we rely on single-use batteries every day to keep our homes clean, safe and secure. However, what we choose to do with our batteries after they are drained is just as key to the preservation of our neighbourhoods, wildlife and planet.
A, AA, AAA, C, D, 9V and button cell batteries are categorized as single-use and typically contain alkaline, zinc-carbon and lithium primary. Since the acids and metals in these batteries can overheat, catch fire or explode when they come into contact with other waste or are left outside, the Government of Canada considers them household hazardous waste. They should not be disposed of in garbage bins, bluebins, or green bins.
Improperly discarded household batteries not only wreak havoc on our properties and personal health, but also cause harm to our environment and animals. Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! (RYBC) found that batteries tossed into landfills leak destructive chemicals into the soil and contribute to Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. However, we can still do our part to reverse this pattern and promote a cycle that benefits our families and our planet.
For every seven kilograms of batteries recycled, we will be helping prevent about one kilogram of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (Source: EcoBatt). We will also be supporting the process of turning batteries into sunscreen, silverware, stainless steel, golf clubs and new batteries to keep this cycle going strong.
There are several single-use battery disposal options local to Centennial. For all of these options, you can deliver the batteries in one of three ways:
1. In their original packaging
2. In a clear plastic bag
3. Wrapped together with each of their positive terminals covered by clear packing tape, duct tape or electrical tape.
Batteries can be brought to the 2nd Highland Creek Scouts’ recycling drive during the Earth Day event at the Port Union Recreation Centre on Saturday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m.
They can also be recycled during Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie’s Community Environment Day, which will be held at Rouge Hill GO Station on Sunday, May 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
If you cannot make it to these events or you wish to recycle your batteries year-round, there are several nearby battery drop-off locations that are always open to the public. Some of these include:
- Canadian Tire
- Rexall
- Home Depot
- Staples
- Giant Tiger
- UTSC Library
A full list of household battery drop-off locations can be found on RYBC’s website at recycleyourbatteries.ca.